Words Laurie Hates

Leadership isn't just about strategy, numbers, or vision. It's also about how you communicate. The words you choose as a leader can either drive work forward or quietly slow it down.

Language shapes how people think, how teams act, and how cultures develop. That's why some words and phrases need a closer look, especially those that seem productive but often delay clarity and action.

Why language is a leadership tool

You might have heard someone describe your communication style as "folksy." Years ago, someone said that about me, and I wasn't sure how to interpret it. At first, it felt a bit dismissive.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized something important: I enjoy speaking in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way-using words that people can understand without their MBA decoder ring.

The truth is, how leaders use language reflects how they think aloud. Your words set expectations, establish accountability, and also define responsibility.

When language becomes vague, jargony, or overly polished, it usually signals that the thinking behind it isn't clear either.

Clear language encourages clear thinking-and clear thinking leads to good decisions and strong execution.

That's where business jargon starts to get in the way.

When jargon replaces clarity

Jargon can exclude people. Not everyone speaks "business," and frankly, not everyone wants to. When language becomes performative, it dilutes communication. I try to exclude certain phrases from my own lexicon because they don't add value-they just create noise.

Take phrases like "circle back." To me, that often translates to "we're avoiding a decision" or "no one wants to take the next step." When you say it enough, your team begins to understand what you truly mean, whether you intend it or not.

Language shapes culture-whether you mean it to or not

Another phrase in this conversation is "work-life balance." I really dislike that phrase. Balance suggests everything is equal all the time, which simply isn't how real life works. Instead, I prefer the idea of flow. Some seasons are work-heavy. Some are family-heavy. The goal isn't equality, it's intentionality. Where are you putting your energy, and when? That perspective is much more honest and humane.

Then there are meeting fillers that waste time without adding insight. "Let me add to that." "Piggybacking on." Too often, those phrases come before someone repeats exactly what was just said. Agreement is fine. Reinforcement is fine. But saying the same thing again doesn't help move the conversation forward. Over time, teams figure out whether meetings are for making progress or just for performance.

This all matters because leadership communication doesn't occur in a vacuum. In our industry, language holds significant weight across cleaning, contracting, manufacturing, and distribution. When your front-line team understands your goals and vision-and how they relate to it-you achieve alignment. But that only happens when language is respectful, inclusive, and clear.

Accessible doesn't mean simplistic. It means understandable. It means effective. The best leaders don't just sound impressive. They sound clear. And that clarity builds trust.

There's another category of language that deserves attention: words that fail to elevate the work we do.

Words that elevate

One word I find challenging is "janitor." While it has a notable historical background, in current usage, it doesn't accurately reflect the professionalism, training, or responsibility involved in today's cleaning and facility management roles. That's why I prefer the term "custodian."

Custodian means caretaker, guardian, or someone entrusted with responsibility. That's powerful language because it reflects care, skill, and trust. In our organization, we use terms like custodial technician and floor technician intentionally-because this work is professional. It requires training, expertise, and it deserves respect.

So yes, there are some words I dislike. Performative jargon. Vague phrases. Language that delays decisions, softens accountability, or dulls the real impact of meaningful work.

This isn't about banning words. It's about choosing better ones. More intentional ones.

Because when you speak clearly, you think clearly. And when leaders think clearly, organizations prosper.

BONUS VIDEO CONTENT: issa.com/words